West Ham United are reportedly trying to sign Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu, who has caught the eye in Serie A with his performances. He is one of the brightest youngsters in Italy.
According to [Gazzetta dello Sport](https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Calciomercato/Napoli/03-12-2024/napoli-su-dorgu-la-trattativa-con-il-lecce-e-la-formula.shtml?refresh_ce), the Hammers are working hard to secure his signature but face competition from other suitors.
Napoli and RB Leipzig are also in the mix, looking to pip rivals to the signing of the young defender, who scooped the Danish Talent of the Year Award for 2024.
Dorgu is a rapid and tenacious force down the left flank. The 6ft2ins full-back is a marauding full-back/wing-back with bounds of energy. He is destined for the top.
Dorgu has been compared to Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi, who also cut his teeth in Serie A at Inter Milan. Interestingly, despite being left-footed, the Lecce man can also cover the right-back position, showcasing his versatility.
He has netted three goals and created one big chance for Lecce this season in 13 league appearances, winning 53% of his duels and helping the team keep two clean sheets.
West Ham full-back Emerson Palmieri has been a loyal servant, but at 30, he is entering the twilight of his career, and the club should have a successor waiting to collect the baton. Back-up left-back Aaron Cresswell is 34, highlighting the need for a younger defender.
Dorgu would be the perfect successor. The 20-year-old can compete with [Emerson](https://westhamblog.co.uk/posts/west-ham-handed-major-injury-boost-ahead-of-london-derby-v-chelsea/) for the starting berth and get acclimatised to his new environs before eventually usurping the left-back slot.
The Denmark international with four caps can also be resold for big money. Dorgu’s performances caught the attention of Chelsea last summer. If he can keep up those excellent showings in the Premier League, the Irons might earn significant profit from selling the young defender.
West Ham should be all over the Dorgu deal. He can fill the left-back position for years and earn the club a massive transfer fee if his development goes according to plan.